Approach

Board governance is underpinned by legal requirements and informed by good practices.  However, one size does not fit all.  Mission matters. People, resourcing, organizational culture, traditions, relationships, stakeholders, members and other considerations also matter and make each organization and its governance somewhat unique. Laura frames her approach to good governance around a set of core governance principles for mission-driven organizations. Within this framework Laura works with her clients to help them determine what governance approach, structures, policies and processes will serve them best and support mission delivery.

Laura’s guiding principles for effective Board performance and impact are drawn from and build on the United Nations’ principles of good governance:*

Participatory – A strong Board ensures that the voices of those the organization serves – as well as stakeholders, partners and others – are heard and considered in decisions taken by the Board.

Mandate driven – A strong Board not only oversees and directs the now, but sets the strategic direction for their organization, ensuring it is always moving forward on its mandate and mission delivery.

Consensus-oriented – A strong Board works to find common ground on the best path forward, always with a focus on the best interests of the organization and its mandate.

Accountable and Transparent – A strong Board not only strives for transparency and demonstrates accountability for the financial results and organizational health of the organization it governs, but also for what has been achieved with those resources.

Responsive – A strong Board is attentive to what is happening both internally and in the broader environment and responds accordingly. A strategic view of current and emerging risks and opportunities, and how these are best addressed, is critical.

Effective and Efficient – A strong Board ensures that resources are used efficiently. They also ensure that those resources are used to effectively move the organization forward on the delivery of its mission.

Equitable and inclusive – A strong Board ensures its policies and practices are equitable and inclusive of all those around the table. A strong Board also provides direction to the organization to ensure that the organization itself, and the programs and services it offers, are equitable and inclusive and reflect the diversity of those it serves.

Respectful of duties and obligations – A strong Board understands and follows its legal frameworks, bylaws / constitution and policies.

*https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/good-governance.pdf